“Growth and development are within reach if government can commit to transforming the nation,” this is according to UTM president Dalitso Kabambe.
Kabambe, a development economist, has raised this hope amidst one of Malawis worst challenging times when the country is almost on its knees struggling for fuel and forex.
The rough socio-economic times have also seen industries, households, and SMEs challenged to stand on their fit; and now running below capacity.
However, in an interview, Kabambe has declared, “the situation is not hopeless as long as government addresses the basics.”
For instance, he has proposed a review of foreign exchange policies and other related monetary policies, arguing the current ones are not serving the best interest of the nation.
Unless, government swallows its pride, Kabambe said, the country was heading towards toughest and roughest times ahead.
“However, the beautiful thing is, theres still hope left, if we can address the microeconomic and macroeconomic fundamentals, which must start with leaders knowing what they want to achieve for the country,” he said.
Turning to politics, Kabambe said, the UTM was still understanding the dynamics of a nation, divided along ethnic, tribal and regional lines.
“Our voting pattern is a little rigid along ethnicity, regionalism and tribalism. This disadvantages the nation as voters are not critical enough on the credibility of candidates theyre vote for,” he observed.
Meanwhile, the UTM leader has challenged President Peter Mutharika to address the prevailing animosity with his vice — Jane Ansah, who has virtually been thrown out of the office of the presidency.
Besides, he has also suggested review of laws governing the Office of the President to streamline respective laws of occupants of the presidency; namely, the president and vice presidents.
Meanwhile, Kabambe has cautioned government to serve with a sense of responsibility in ensuring the nation is being transformed.
